Roles and responsibilities
As a key member of the Management team, the CTO will play a key role in managing Information technology (IT) strategy and decisions of Zamara and its affiliates. This is a Head of Department (HoD) role and is directly responsible for the management of IT operations which include the IT systems and environment as well as assisting the leadership with a clear IT road map and strategy.
This role will include overseeing the IT function, work in close liaison with the Innovation team in implementing appropriate technology for the organization, leading the IT team and its operations, and having a direct responsibility in management of all IT related aspects within Zamara and its affiliates.
The role will also support the leadership team in the IT strategy development and its execution through effective planning and implementation. The role reports to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with all key stakeholders and other Heads of departments in implementing, delivering and managing a strong IT ecosystem.
The CTO will be expected to lead a team of IT professionals who will deliver effective integrated solutions to Zamara and its affiliates. The specific responsibilities of this role will include but will not be limited to:
Developing and executing an IT road map based on the overall business strategy. This would also include working closely with the innovation department as part of the development of any technology aspects and in turn the overall IT strategy;
Providing vision and leadership to the IT team and this will include developing and maintaining and appropriate IT structure that supports the needs of the Company as well as management and supervision of the team;
Directing, planning and overseeing implementation of major technology related initiatives. Oversee product development from concept through delivery, ensuring high standards of quality and user experience;
Providing guidance and possible oversight to infrastructure best practice configuration and structures;
Developing, executing and managing a process for IT security, IT controls and monitoring security risks as well as overseeing measures to manage such risks. This will involve having an appropriate IT security and risk management end to end process;
Developing a business architecture strategy based on a situational awareness of various scenarios and motivations and apply a structured business architecture approach and methodology for capturing the key views of the Company;
Leading and coordinating the projects that relate to the architecture of all software solutions and work with the different departmental heads /consultants as appropriate in this respect;
Leading strategic and operational planning for the Company's Data Management practices, focusing on meeting business needs and requirements through data functions;
Identifying opportunities for the Company to further leverage data and improve its economic, competitive, and operational positioning;
Enabling and supporting business operations in order to improve cost effectiveness, service quality and technology enablement;
Leading IT strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the Company;
Develop and enforce IT policies, security protocols, and compliance measures to protect the organization's data and intellectual property. Manage cybersecurity risks and ensure the organization is prepared to respond to any incidents.
Working towards developing an integrated view of the Company's data and systems using a repeatable approach, cohesive framework, and available industry standard techniques;
Ensuring continuous delivery of IT services through oversight of service levels with end users and monitoring of IT systems performance;
Overseeing technology service providers' contracts and service levels.
Any other responsibilities that are allocated from time to time in view of the IT needs andrequirements.
Experience and Personal Qualities
Leadership- as the head of IT department, the incumbent should possess good team leadership skills.
Experience- the incumbent should have at least 7-8 years' experience in a management role. He/she should demonstrate his/her direct impact on executive decision-making.
Proven track record of successfully leading technology initiatives and teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
Strong understanding of software development, cloud computing, data architecture, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.
Experience with agile methodologies, DevOps practices, and software development life cycles.
Experience with implementation of enterprise systems such as ERP and CRM systems.
Personable, bold and efficient leader with a track record of effectively securing stakeholder buy-in. This is a leadership role.
Effective interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build long standing relationships with a range of stakeholders (both internally and externally).
Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders, flexible, credible, collaborative, engaging, energetic, persistent, and resilient.
A commitment to Zamara's mission and strong ethical integrity.